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Sasha Grey made the trip to Emerson Elementary School as part of the Read Across America program. (Published Friday, Nov 11, 2011)

Updated at 11:19 PM PDT on Friday, Nov 11, 2011

Former porn actress Sasha Grey is refusing to back down from her work with education-focused initiatives after photos showing her reading to Compton school children were posted online.

"I am an actor. I am an artist. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a partner. I have a past that some people may not agree with, but it does not define who I am," Grey wrote in a statement released Friday.

Ex-Porn Actress Reads to Compton Kids

"I believe in the future of our children, and I will remain an active supporter and participant in education-focused initiatives," she wrote.

Top News Photos: Los Angeles

The gossip website posted pictures Friday showing Grey at Emerson Elementary School in Compton on Nov. 2, reading children's books. The appearance was reportedly part of Read Across America, according to TMZ.

One mother, who did not want to be identified, said the reading was not a problem.

"It doesn't bother me as long as she wasn't revealing a whole lot of anything. She was properly dressed," said the woman, whose child was in the classroom for the event.

Other parents disagree.

"People like her should not be around children. It's a lack of respect to the children and society," parent Teresa Martinez said.

"It should have been someone making the distinction as to what kind of actress she was before she read to my child," parent Tiana Harris said.

Members of the Compton School Board say they've gotten an earful since the news of Grey's appearance went viral.

"Many parents have contacted me and expressed their anger and their rage. Others have expressed need to give the young lady a second chance," board member Micah Ali said.